Hanger Snowboard Binding and Method

ABSTRACT

A snowboard binding that enables a snowboard to hang nearly vertically on a user&#39;s foot includes a board base attachable to a snowboard, the board base having a generally planar configuration and a hinge, a hardened boot attachable to the user&#39;s foot, the hardened boot having a first lateral side and a second lateral side. The hinge attaches the first lateral side of the hardened boot to the board base and a latch attached to the second lateral side. The hinge and latch cooperate to enable the snowboard binding to selectively move from a first configuration where the latch engages both the board base and the hardened boot and align to align the hardened boot and the board base in a planar arrangement, to a second configuration where the latch releases the board base from the hardened boot.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to snowboard bindings, and particularly hinged snowboard bindings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many alpine resorts attract guests with ski lifts, ski slopes and entertaining accommodations. The recreationally minded flock to alpine resorts with downhill ski slopes. Skiing predominated until the early 1990's when snowboarding arose in popularity. Presently, snowboards are quite popular at downhill ski slopes and there are now roughly an equal proportion of snowboarders and downhill skiers.

Ski lifts were initially designed for skiers. Snowboarders are able to use these lifts, but comfort is an issue. Adapting chair lifts to optimize comfort for both skiers and snowboarders has been a challenge, is expensive, and yet still needs improvement.

Snowboards attach directly to both feet and the feet point generally perpendicular to the nose of a snow board. The rider thus stands sideways, compared to a skier who faces downhill. More specifically, the snowboarder' s feet face sideways with respect to the direction of the nose of the snowboard while snowboarding down a ski slope. It can be appreciated that a snowboarder can adjust the angle of the bindings, but generally it can be said that the feet face sideways with respect to the longitudinal axis of the snow board, and the direction of the nose.

Typically the rear binding is released from the rear foot to enable the snowboarder to hobble along lift lines using the free foot and to ride a ski lift. Having one foot attached to the snowboard also allows the snowboarder to sit squarely, and safely, on the chair lift.

One noteworthy problem arises when snowboarders and skiers sit on the same chair of a chair lift. The snowboard often aligns at an oblique angle with respect to the front edge of the chair. Bumps, winds, and shifting movement can cause the snowboard to bump into, and scratch the skis, which are generally aligned in the direction of the chair movement. Skiers with new skis don't want scratches. This same problem arises when a left footed snowboarder sits with a right footed snowboarder, when it is likely that the snow boards will cross.

Another, more subtle, problem is strain on the knee of a snowboarder. With one foot unhitched, only the other foot supports the weight of the snowboard. With the snowboarder sitting squarely on the chair, the knee of the leg supporting the snowboard is necessarily twisted due to the orientation of the binding on the board, and due also to the difficulty in keeping the knee straight during a multi-minute period on the chair lift. This twisting of the knee puts undue pressure on the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), as well as the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). This awkward orientation combined with the weight of the snowboard supported by one leg can strain the ligaments over time. This is particularly true for those with damaged or sensitive ligaments. The further risk occurs when movement of the leg misaligns the femur and the tibia, resulting in impingement of the meniscus. Pain and injury can result, particularly for those predisposed to knee injury.

What is desired is a way to provide comfort to snowboards using a chair lift. What is also desired is a way to minimize awkward knocking of a snowboard against an adjacent passenger's skis or snowboard on a chair lift.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a snowboard binding that enables a snowboard to hang nearly vertically on a user's foot. The invention further includes a unique method of disembarking a chair lift utilizing the novel snowboard binding of the present invention, as well as methods associated with use of the snowboard binding.

A board base attaches to a snowboard with a screw plate and screws, or other mounting method. The board base has a generally planar configuration and a hinge.

A foot base, or hardened boot portion, including a foot base, attaches to the user's foot. The foot base has a first lateral side and a second lateral side.

The hinge attaches the first lateral side of the foot base to the board base. A latch attaches to the second lateral side.

The hinge and latch cooperate to enable the snowboard binding to selectively move from a first configuration, usable while snowboarding down a ski slope, where the latch engages both the board base and the foot base and align to align the foot base and the board base in a planar arrangement, to a second configuration where the latch releases the board base from the foot base. When the snowboard binding mounts a snowboard, disengagement of the latch enables the board base and the snow board to hang from the foot base by the hinge such as during use on a chairlift.

The snowboard binding attaches to the snowboard. The snowboard has a longitudinal axis extending between a nose and a tail. The snowboard binding attaches to the snowboard closer to the nose than the tail along the longitudinal axis.

The hinge is positioned on the first lateral side of the foot base is closer to the nose than the second lateral side of the foot base to enable the snowboard to hang nearly vertically from the user's foot when the user is on a chairlift and the latch is releases the board base from the foot base. In one embodiment of the invention, the hinge is a single hinge extending along a portion of the first lateral side of the foot base.

In another embodiment of the invention, the hinge includes multiple hinges positioned along a portion of the first lateral side of the foot base.

The latch is spring loaded to normally lock the board base and the foot base during snowboarding. Preferably, the spring is a coil spring aligned laterally in alignment in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the snow board. In an alternate embodiment, the coil spring can align in a direction normal to the plane of the snowboard. The coil spring can be replaced with a solid or hollow resilient silicon plug that inhibits ice and snow interference with operation, and aligned to optimize operation.

The latch is automatically lockable when board base and the foot base align in the planar arrangement. The latch can have additional locking members or keys to inhibit unintended release of the latch.

The invention includes a method of disembarking from a chairlift that utilizes the natural slope of the snow covered earth to latch the snowboard binding during disembarking from the chairlift.

The method includes providing a snowboard and a snowboard binding that enables a snowboard to hang nearly vertically on a user's foot while riding on a chairlift. The snowboard binding including a board base attachable to the snowboard, the board base having a generally planar configuration and hinge; a foot base attachable to the user's foot, the foot base having a first lateral side and a second lateral side; the hinge attaches the first lateral side of the foot base to the board base; a latch attached to the second lateral side; the hinge and latch cooperate to enable the snowboard binding to selectively move from a first configuration where the latch engages both the board base and the foot base and align to align the foot base and the board base in a planar arrangement, to a second configuration where the latch releases the board base from the foot base.

The method further includes unlatching the snowboard binding from the first configuration to the second configuration and transporting the user on the chair lift to enable the snowboard to hang from the user's foot while riding the chairlift; and

Importantly, the present invention utilizes contact between the hanging snowboard and a ground surface to automatically return the snowboard binding from the second configuration to the first configuration when the user disembarks from the chairlift.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. shows a snowboarder on a chairlift with the snowboard binding in the second configuration with the snowboard binding latch releasing the snowboard in a generally vertical orientation with respect to the seat of the chairlift.

FIG. 2 shows the snowboard in contact with snow covered ground as the snowboarder prepares to disembark from the chairlift. The contact with the ground aligns the snowboard from the generally vertical orientation towards a horizontal orientation.

FIG. 3 shows the snowboard aligned in a generally horizontal orientation where the binding latch automatically latches the snow board binding board base and the foot base into the first configuration.

FIG. 4 shows the snowboarder of FIG. 1 with the snowboard in a generally vertical configuration.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional side view of the snowboard binding of the present invention in the first configuration with the board base and the foot base locked.

FIG. 6 shows the snowboard binding of FIG. 5 with the board base and the foot base unlocked.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the snowboard binding of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-3 show a chairlift 10 in operation on a ski slope with a snowboarder 12 in various stages of disembarkation.

FIG. 1 shows a snowboarder 12 seated on the chairlift 10 being transported to atop the ski slope. The snowboarder 12 has a snowboard 14 attached to one foot of the snowboarder 12 by a snowboard binding in accordance with the present invention. The snowboard 12 hangs generally vertically with respect to the ground, and the seat of the chair lift 10. This vertical alignment can vary with the movement of the foot, but is an improved alignment for chairlift use over traditional binding configurations.

FIG. 2 shows the snowboard 14 contacting snow covered ground 16 beginning the process of disembarkation from the chairlift 10. The ground 16 naturally aligns the snowboard with the ground 16 in alignment with the direction of the chairlift 10 path of movement. The snowboarder need only rotate the foot from which the board hangs into a traditional snowboarding position to enable the ground to align the snowboard.

FIG. 3 shows the final stage of disembarkation from the chairlift 10, where the ground 16 presses the snowboard 14 into a generally horizontal configuration with respect to the ground and the seat of the chairlift 10. This automatically snaps and locks the snowboard binding into the first configuration where it locks the snowboarders' foot onto the snowboard 14. Pressure from the snowboarders foot against the ground further assures achievement of locking into the first configuration.

FIG. 4 shows the snowboarder 12 riding the chairlift 10 from a rear view. The snowboard binding 18 is in the second configuration where it releases the snowboard 14 generally vertically with respect to the foot of the snowboarder, the ground, and the seat of the chair lift 10. This second configuration reduces stress on the knee of the snowboarder that hangs the snowboard compared to stress endured when the snowboard is in the traditional configuration (first configuration). The snowboarders foot and knee both face forward in the direction of movement of the chairlift. Alignment of the snowboard is more aerodynamic in this configuration without stressing the knee of the snowboarder.

This orientation of the snowboard also prevents the snowboard from banging and scratching against the gear or, and the bodies of, other occupants that might also ride on the same chairlift. The chairlift experience, even with strangers, can be less antagonistic, and even enjoyable. It can be a true joy to share a chairlift ride with a loved one, absent the banging of boards against each other.

FIG. 5 shows a cross section of the snowboard binding 18 of the present invention. The snowboard binding 18 includes a latch 20 and a coil spring 22 for biasing the latch 20 in the locked position as shown. The snowboard binding 18 includes a planar foot base 20 attachable to the foot of the snow boarder, and a planar board base 30 attached via screws 26 to the snow board 14, and a hinge 24 that hinges the board base 30 with the foot base 20. The snow board binding is in a first configuration where the latch 20 locks the board base 30 with the foot base 20 to enable operation of a snow board during conditions of use heading down a ski slope.

FIG. 6 shows a cross section of the snowboard binding of FIG. 5 with the latch 20 unhooked from the board base 30. The latch 20 includes a latch hook 31 and the board base 30 includes a latch hook 32 that mates with the latch hook 31 in the first configuration of FIG. 5. The hinge 24 enables movement of the snow board 14 to achieve the generally vertical orientation shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the snowboard binding 18. It includes a hardened boot 40 with a heel strap 42, a toe strap 43, and a heel plate 46 for holding a snowboarders' foot.

The board base 30 attaches to the foot base 28 and the hardened boot 40 via two hinges 24. It can be appreciated that a single hinge 24 of sufficient length can be used instead of the two hinge design. Also the attachment of the hinges 24 can be adapted to attach to either the foot base 28 or the hardened boot 40 in variants of the invention. Preferably the foot base 28 has a generally planar shape that is integral with, or affixed to, the hardened boot 40. The straps 42 and 43 are adjustable and include pads 48 for comfort and functionality in securing the snowboard binding 18 to the foot. 

1. A snowboard binding that enables a snowboard to hang nearly vertically on a user's foot, comprising: a board base attachable to a snowboard, the board base having a generally planar configuration, a hinge and a first latch hook attached to the board base; a foot base attachable to the user's foot, the foot base having a first lateral side and a second lateral side; the hinge attaches the first lateral side of the foot base to the board base; a second latch hook attached to the second lateral side of the foot base and being configured to mate with the first latch hook of the board base; the hinge, the first latch hook and the second latch hook and latch cooperate to enable the snowboard binding to selectively move from a first configuration where the first latch hook engages the second latch hook and both the board base and the foot base and align to align the foot base in a planar arrangement, to a second configuration where the latch releases the board base from the foot base, and wherein when the snowboard binding mounts a snowboard, disengagement of the first latch hook from the second latch hook latch enables the board base and the snow board to hang from the foot base by the hinge such as during use on a chairlift.
 2. The snowboard binding as set forth in claim 1, wherein the board base is affixed to a snow board.
 3. The snowboard binding as set forth in claim 2, wherein the snowboard has a nose and a tail, the snowboard binding attaches to the snowboard closer to the nose than the tail, and the hinge on the first lateral side of the foot base is closer to the nose than the second lateral side of the foot base to enable the snowboard to hang nearly vertically from the user's foot when the user is on a chairlift and the latch is releases the board base from the foot base.
 4. The snowboard binding as set forth in claim 1, wherein the hinge is a single hinge extending along a portion of the first lateral side of the foot base.
 5. The snowboard binding as set forth in claim 1, wherein the hinge includes multiple hinges positioned along a portion of the first lateral side of the foot base.
 6. The snowboard binding as set forth in claim 1, wherein the latch is spring loaded to normally lock the board base and the foot base during snowboarding.
 7. The snowboard binding as set forth in claim 6, wherein the latch is automatically lockable when board base and the foot base align in the planar arrangement.
 8. A method of disembarking from a chairlift comprising: providing a snowboard and a snowboard binding that enables a snowboard to hang nearly vertically on a user's foot while riding on a chairlift; the snowboard binding including a board base attachable to the snowboard, the board base having a generally planar configuration and hinge; a hardened boot attachable to the user's foot, the hardened boot having a first lateral side and a second lateral side; the hinge attaches the first lateral side of the hardened boot to the board base; a latch attached to the second lateral side; the hinge and latch cooperate to enable the snowboard binding to selectively move from a first configuration where the latch engages both the board base and the hardened boot and align to align the hardened boot and the board base in a planar arrangement, to a second configuration where the latch releases the board base from the hardened boot; unlatching the snowboard binding from the first configuration to the second configuration and transporting the user on the chair lift to enable the snowboard to hang from the user's foot while riding the chairlift; and utilizing contact between the hanging snowboard and a ground surface to automatically return the snowboard binding from the second configuration to the first configuration when the user disembarks from the chairlift.
 9. A snowboard having a binding that enables the snowboard to hang nearly vertically on a user's foot during usage on a chairlift, comprising: a snowboard having a snowboard binding attached to the snowboard; the snowboard binding including a board base affixed with screws to the snowboard, the board base having a generally planar configuration and a hinge; the snowboard binding including a latch and a hardened boot attachable to the user's foot, the hardened boot having a first lateral side and a second lateral side, the hinge attaches the first lateral side of the hardened boot to the board base; a latch attached to the second lateral side; and the hinge and latch cooperate to enable the snowboard binding to selectively move from a first configuration where the latch engages both the board base and the hardened boot and align to align the hardened boot and the board base in a planar arrangement, to a second configuration where the latch releases the board base from the hardened boot, wherein when the snowboard binding mounts a snowboard, disengagement of the latch enables the board base and the snow board to hang from the hardened boot by the hinge such as during use on a chairlift.
 10. The snowboard as set forth in claim 9, wherein the board base is affixed to a snow board with screws.
 11. The snowboard as set forth in claim 10, wherein the snowboard has a nose and a tail, the snowboard binding attaches to the snowboard closer to the nose than the tail, and the hinge on the first lateral side of the hardened boot is closer to the nose than the second lateral side of the hardened boot to enable the snowboard to hang nearly vertically from the user's foot when the user is on a chairlift and the latch is releases the board base from the hardened boot.
 12. The snowboard as set forth in claim 9, wherein the hinge is a single hinge extending along a portion of the first lateral side of the hardened boot.
 13. The snowboard as set forth in claim 9, wherein the hinge includes multiple hinges positioned along a portion of the first lateral side of the hardened boot.
 14. The snowboard as set forth in claim 9, wherein the latch is spring loaded to normally lock the board base and the hardened boot during snowboarding.
 15. The snowboard as set forth in claim 14, wherein the latch is automatically lockable when board base and the hardened boot align in the planar arrangement.
 16. The snowboard as set forth in claim 9, wherein the hardened boot includes a planar foot base and the hinge attaches to the planar foot base.
 17. The snowboard as set forth in claim 9, wherein the hardened boot includes a foot base integral with the foot base, and the hinge attaches to the planar foot base.
 18. The snowboard as set forth in claim 9, wherein the hardened boot includes a planar foot base, a heel strap, a toe strap, and a heel plate for holding a snowboarders' foot.
 19. The snowboard as set forth in claim 9, wherein the hardened boot is a portion of the snowboard binding.
 20. The snowboard binding as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first latch hook includes a resilient silicon plug that spring loads the first latch hook to inhibit operational interference by ice and snow. 